5 BOLD Predictions for the Italian Grand Prix

Round 16 is officially underway at the Temple of Speed in Monza, Italy. With qualifying being some of the closest action we have seen all season long, this 53-lap race is bound to bring fireworks all race long. The Tifosi are ready, the drivers are hungry, so let's get into some predictions!

But before we do, here is a look at the starting grid for the Grand Prix (as of Saturday, September 6th at 8 pm EST):

1. Max Verstappen

2. Lando Norris

3. Oscar Piastri

4. Charles Leclerc

5. George Russell

6. Kimi Antonelli

7. Gabriel Bortoleto

8. Fernando Alonso

9. Yuki Tsunoda

10. Lewis Hamilton (5-place grid drop penalty implemented)

11. Oliver Bearman

12. Nico Hulkenberg

13. Carlos Sainz

14. Alex Albon

15. Esteban Ocon

16. Isack Hadjar

17. Lance Stroll

18. Franco Colapinto

19. Pierre Gasly

20. Liam Lawson

    
    
    
    

Haas will Score Double Points

It'll be a steep uphill climb for the team, but they have done it countless times this season. With Bearman qualifying 11th (again) and Ocon in 15th, Haas have been able to execute on their strategy time and time again this season. If a safety car occurs, do not be surprised if Haas are the team that benefits most from it.

Max Verstappen will Lead for at Least Half the Race

When you consider who will get their ebows out to start the race, you will have to look no further than pole sitter Max Verstappen. After putting together the fastest lap in F1 history in Q3, Verstappen will do everything possible to keep the pesky McLarens behind him. Thus, I think Max survives Lap 1 and leads for at least half the race.

But, you may be asking, why half? Keep reading and you'll find out!

There will be at least 3 Virtual Safety Cars/Safety Cars During the Grand Prix

Though I have had similar predictions regarding chaos in the past few races, I am going to continue to predict it in Monza. With speeds being as high as ever and stakes as high as ever, the Temple of Speed will deliver a chaotic race once again. Overtakes will fill the race, meaning aggressiveness will also be high. I predict this will result in multiple DNFs, thus bringing out at least three Safety Cars or Virtual Safety Cars.

No Ferraris will finish on the Podium

You would have to go all the way back to 2012 to see the last time Ferrari didn't secure a podium in Monza. However, though the pace this weekend has been good, I just do not see it this weekend. The reason I do not see it is because if chaos ensues like I am predicting it to, I do not trust Ferrari's strategy to take advantage of any situation. They have yet to put together an effective strategy that elevates their performance this season, which is something I think continues in Monza. Not what Ferrari fans want to hear I'm sure, but it may be an unfortunate truth this weekend.

Kimi Antonelli Shocks the World to Win the Monza Grand Prix

Now, would a LOT have to happen? Yes. Has Antonelli's form been subpar as of late? Yes. Will I be shocked if this does not happen? No. But these are BOLD predictions. So, with this being his first home race, I think that motivation on top of the desire to break the slump propels him over the edge.

This is Antonelli's breakout race in my opinion. Sure, he may not be the fastest so far, but he has been a few tenths off the front-runners all weekend long. If carnage ensues in the front, which is absolutely a possibility, as long as Antonelli is there, he can take advantage. The Italian Grand Prix will finally be the race in which we truly see what Kimi Antonelli is capable of. If this happens, just imagine the Tifosi scene!

Stay tuned for more F1 content, and check out Sportz Nation at fansonlysportz.com for more sports media content posted daily.

Also, be sure to check out and follow my socials @matthylen_, where I post all my articles!

Until next time!

-Matt Hylen